The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-01
Trr.nted BY Special ArraHoemeHs-copyrioAtsd iss7l
THE MAJORS WIFE
BY =. SIDNEY.


rheumatic arm was plaguiue him, and his brow
was what would De called corrugated in the
novels. Blu. his heart was light and very ten
der. He was thinking of how cozy Mariorie's
little corner room would look-the dancing wood
fire, the big armchair drawn up to the table
with the lighted lamp upon it-aud Marjorie
herself with her trim figure and eyes like April
violets For although the Major grizzled
and mad twinges of rheumatism in his strong
right arm. he a sentimentalist
A hich-pitched feminine voice called out, MA
jor Standiford Major Standiford!' The Major
had heard the grinding of carriage wheels over
taking him, and he recognized the voice of the
Coloners wife as she stopped him and stuck her
bold handsome head out of the window of the
stylish brougham. Far back in the carriage he
could see the little Colonel himself. who sell
dom in the foreground when his madam was
present.
Major Stamford raised his -ell-worn cap
and stood in an attitude of rigid politeness. but
his eyes did not show the kindly light that
usually filed them when ne spoke to women
Good evening. Mrs Meyrick. How are you,
ColonelN
''How do" feebly responded the Colonel, while
Mrs. Meryick burst forth glbiy.
Now, Major Standiford you really must come
TO the bal pondie. l know you'll look stunning
in Louis Quatorze costume with your hair
powdered"
MY hair won't need any powderine. thank
you." remarked the Major. grimly, lifting mis-
cap again, and showing a handsome iron-gray
head.
But you must come. I've promised myself
the pleasure of dancing with you. and we can't
give these things up to the lleutenantS entirely,
can we, C0lonell'
mo, my dear we can't" piped the Colonel
from the depths Of the brougham.
"Apd you particularly request that Major
Stamford
you, Colonel. at the bal pOndiel"
"Of course do" obediently replied Colonel
Meyrick. who was somewhat afraid of the Major,
but considerably more SO of Mrs. Meyrick.
Meanwhile the Major had been gradually
working himself into kind of cold fury. Not
one word about his wife-his poor Majorie.
1T altogether depends" said the Major, with
savage distinctness, fastening his resolute dark
eyes on Mrs. Meyricks, upon whether Mrs
Stamford wishes to CO. In that case SHALL of
course. accompany her. / seldom go TO balls
except to oblige Mrs. Stamford. Good after
noon"
The Major lifted his hat and pursued his way.
But his heart heavy. 1t always like
this. The men dared not omit Mrs Stamford
but the women-ah, now those smiling Great
ures could rend his soul about poor Marjorie!
For Marjorie was what is called under a cloud.
Somebody had said that Mrs. Stamford had
another husband somewhere-and the possible
of this other furnished Cos
sip for all the tea tables at the fort. In vain
that every man who knew the Major knew
that he could no more take a wicked woman to
his honest heart than he could fly. In vain Mrs.
Stamford might justly claim to be the ouietest.
most stay at home woman at the post-yet not a
day passed that these two poor souls were not
made to feel that i'm palpable suspicion that was
like death to each. and then-there was something
after all. The Major could swear upon his
furnished honor that both he and Majorie
thought the dead-but suppose-sup-
posse The Major was brave man. but
be hated the world. When she had been the
victim of brute, and he had stood forth to pro-
tect her AS a brother might shield sister, the
blind. doting, hateful world had visited her with
weak woman. He trudged along in anything
but heavenly frame of mind until he reached
mis- own door and opened It. Yes, there was the
cheerful cracking fire, the book he had left laid
On the table waiting for him at the very page
for the Major was taciturn and reading man
but Marjorie.
IRE expecting to see her enter, but she did
come He went and glanced in the cold. dark
drawing room opposite, and the pleasant dining
room where the cloth was laid. Next with
troubled heart he mounted the stairs and knocked
1t Majorie's door. No Majorie Then he went
20 his own particular den TO look for her. The
acts of Maiorie's wise married life Here the
Major could retire unmolested when he
wanted to indulge those bachelor habits
hat had been we'll fixed upon him
when he had married Marjorie. Herself the
oul of neatness Marjorie did not permit the in
1asion of the housemaii into this sacred spot.
ng not, and he sometimes thoughtif Majorie
lad swept and busted much there, he couldn't
lave loved her we'll he did. AS he opened
he door he rather hoped he would not find her.
only few times since they had been married
lad Marjorie sought refuge there, and then
when her heart had failed her; when she had
asst herself absolutely the Majors tender
ness.
But there she was. covering in the corner of
he old cracked, brown-leather sofa. The min
lite Major Standiford met her glance he knew
had hnvr nod Thah lnrr had foil
nan was not dead after all.
He shut the door, and going to the sofa took
he poor thing IN. his arms. She did not speak
II cry, but chung to him with desperate afec-
ion.
what is it," asked the Major, presently.
'Has-has-he-"
he letter"
With sudden impulse of fury he dashed the
etter into the fire place. Damn him! Damn
Iim" he almost shouted Marjorie Olsen gagged
erself from his arms, ran to the fire. place, and
lmost from the live Goals with her little white
and dragged the letter out.
You must read it-you must read it," she
Headed The Major took it gingerly and glanced
through it. 1t was short. The writer informed
Irs Stamford that he was not dead she prob.
bly, hoped. That he didn't wish to make trouble.
ut merely wanted ian accommodation" ats
black mailing scheme" groaned the Major,
lutching at straw.
Yes" said poor Marjorie with pale lips and
frightened eyes, but on Tom Forrester's
art. 1 know the letter. If l could believe it
7as not his-I would die with joy"
Major Standiford sat with his eyes fixed on the
re.
Dearest" said Marjorie, in a voice that trem-
led. what will we do?"
The Major looked at Marjorie and for answer
Used her cold hand. That too much for
er. She broke into tears, and sobbing, and fell
pom his breast.
"Oh. what trouble have brought upon you2"
he cried.
Not troubie-not trouble, my DEAR" said the |
lajor in husky voice.
And then the two poor creatures sat hand in |
and and talked over the death of their happi- |
ess And two things were settled-that soon |
5 the Major could apply for leave and get it. /
9 was to take her TO the one woman that would
land by them through it all-the old maid aunt |
Z the Major. that sometimes made him think |
lat when angels appeared upon the earth they |
ould wear mob caps and old-fashioned !
lack silk gowns like his Aunt Emelne; |
nd the second that on the next night they |
Mould 60 to the bal pondie so that nothing might I
i've rise to suspicion. And then the Major was |
this wretched ghost that had risen from |
he dead to slay them-and then-and then. |
Ia g 49, - n-1--